Stop cruelty against animals

Published: Friday, January 23, 2004 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 11:00 p.m.

Dear Editor: Kudos to the DeKalb County/sauthorities who raided an illegal cockfighting ring in Collinsville as published on Jan. 19, 2004.

Roosters raised for fighting are often confined to tiny cages and tormented to make them aggressive. They are pumped full of stimulants and blood-clotting drugs and razor-sharp spurs are attached to their feet. The birds suffer broken wings and legs, punctured lungs, severed spinal cords, and gouged-out eyes.

The sport is so cruel it is illegal in all states except New Mexico and Louisiana. Interstate transport of birds for used for fighting was banned last year.

Therefore there is no justification for anyone to possess fighting birds in a state that outlaws cockfighting. The maximum penalty for anyone who violates this new law is $15,000 per bird. Anyone found guilty of this crime should be held accountable.

<p>Dear Editor: Kudos to the DeKalb County/sauthorities who raided an illegal cockfighting ring in Collinsville as published on Jan. 19, 2004.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>Roosters raised for fighting are often confined to tiny cages and tormented to make them aggressive. They are pumped full of stimulants and blood-clotting drugs and razor-sharp spurs are attached to their feet. The birds suffer broken wings and legs, punctured lungs, severed spinal cords, and gouged-out eyes.</p><p>The sport is so cruel it is illegal in all states except New Mexico and Louisiana. Interstate transport of birds for used for fighting was banned last year.</p><p>Therefore there is no justification for anyone to possess fighting birds in a state that outlaws cockfighting. The maximum penalty for anyone who violates this new law is $15,000 per bird. Anyone found guilty of this crime should be held accountable.</p>